Veterans celebrated at Longboat's 70th anniversary

This week marks a multi-fold special occasion for Longboat Key residents as they honored Veterans Day, the town's 70th anniversary and the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Army. Town Manager Howard Tipton welcomed attendees to the Town Center Green on Nov. 8.

"Such a dual celebration is a rare and significant event, and it allows us to reflect on our past, cherish our present, and look forward to a promising future," he said.

The event featured several speakers with a history of military service.

Town of Longboat Key Public Works Director and retired U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Charles Mopps would lead the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem.

Mopps was a military police officer and served in the U.S. Army Reserve for more than 22 years, deploying to Bosnia in 1997 and mobilizing as a company commander and battalion operations officer from 2006 to 2008. He also deployed to Afghanistan in 2011, Tipton said when introducing him. He retired in 2016.

"Included in his many military honors is the Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many other service honors," Tipton added.

Steve Branham, retired U.S. Coast Guard rear admiral and current town commissioner, also offered a speech honoring the community's veterans. His coast guard service spanned 37 years, Tipton said.

"We are here to honor our military veterans, and to remember their service, dedication and sacrifice to ensure and preserve the freedom we are so privileged to enjoy every day," Branham said.

After recognizing the veterans in attendance, Branham also took a moment to thank the loved ones of those service members for offering critical support.

"Our service veterans come from widely diverse backgrounds and experiences," he said. "But, they share many fundamental qualities, including courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication and integrity — all attributes essential to serve a noble cause greater than one's self."

Mayor Ken Schneier also shared a timeline of Longboat Key's history as the town celebrated its 70th anniversary.

"This is an opportunity to step back and revisit our history, and be thankful for the wisdom and vision of our forebearers in making our community extraordinary," he said.

As the festivities came to a close, the community partner presenter, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key, gave a contribution of $7,500 to the Manasota Goodwill branch to support its veteran outreach services.